Is my deck usable?

[SharkyOhio]

Originally Posted by Mike McKown

I cut grass for years with those 42" decks. They cut okay but they also streak very badly, I.E., you can see the strip the short/wide blades cut. Every one I ever used, even with sharp blades.

I'd recommend the OP find a 44" deck which I think leaves a much better cut appearance on the lawn.

Those streaks you are seeing are probably caused by the gauge wheels being set too low. The gauge wheels will leave "streaks" if set too low while mowing.

[Mike McKown]

Originally Posted by SharkyOhio

Those streaks you are seeing are probably caused by the gauge wheels being set too low. The gauge wheels will leave "streaks" if set too low while mowing.

I think maybe the type of grass I cut, the fat front tires on the tractor, the cutting height and the lack of suction of the 42" deck all combined to give me a less than desirable cut appearance.

When I bought my EZ VAC in the early '90's, I first had it hooked to a 104 with a 42" deck. That combo left a LOT of leaves laying, especially if they were a little damp because the deck didn't have any suction. Later, I went to an 1860 w/46" deck and it sucked the yard completely free of leaves. Much better grass cutting appearance too except the 46" deck tends to leave windrows with the cuttings.

[olds45512]

I have a 48" deck on my 108 and I mowed with it for 2 years with no baffles and it mowed great, when I restored the tractor I put new baffles in and now it mows like crap. Im planning to redo a 44" for it before spring.